Title: Solar energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Authors: Saleh A. Al-Athel

Addresses: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is blessed with abundant solar energy which is renewable, clean and available freely. It is harnessed through known processes and technologies, but progress towards its commercialization is very slow for several reasons, such as higher cost and low efficiency. This paper reviews our R&D efforts, and concludes that future utilization of solar energy in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia is dependent on current R&D activities in the field, combined with a proper educational campaign for its effective commercialization.

Keywords: commercialisation; international joint ventures; KACST; public awareness; Saudi Arabia; solar energy education; solar energy training; solar power; photovoltaic applications; thermal applications; technology transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1997.063324

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1997 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.53-67

Published online: 10 Jul 2014 *

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